Lesson 2

Question 1

What is the definition of heredity?

Answer 1

Heredity is the passing of a single gene from generation to generation.

Heredity is the foundation of genetics and explains how traits are transmitted from parents to offspring.

Question 2

What term did Mendel use for a specific trait that appeared in the F1 generation?

Answer 2

Dominant

Dominant traits are expressed when at least one dominant allele is present.

Question 3

What is the term for a specific trait that is hidden or masked in the F1 generation?

Answer 3

Recessive

Recessive traits require two copies of the allele to be expressed.

Question 4

What does homozygous mean?

Answer 4

An organism with two of the same alleles for a particular trait.

Homozygous can be either dominant (AA) or recessive (aa).

Question 5

Define genotype.

Answer 5

The organism’s allele pairs.

Genotype determines the potential traits an organism can express.

Question 6

Define phenotype.

Answer 6

The observable characteristic or outward expression of an allele pair.

Phenotype is influenced by both genotype and environmental factors.

Question 7

What does the law of segregation state?

Answer 7

Two alleles for each trait separate during meiosis.

This law explains how offspring inherit one allele from each parent.

Question 8

What is a trihybrid organism?

Answer 8

An organism heterozygous for a specific trait.

A trihybrid organism can have variations in three traits.

Question 9

What does the law of independent assortment state?

Answer 9

A random distribution of alleles occurs during the formation of gametes.

This law applies to genes located on different chromosomes.